Are you in need of a CP12 certificate for your rented property?
This is absolutely mandatory for all landlords, and something you need to arrange on an annual basis; no delays. Think of it as a bit like an MOT; it’s a legal requirement to regularly check the safety and running of gas appliances in your property.
As an experienced heating engineer, this is something that I usually end up advising my clients about on a regular basis, as not everyone knows what they need to look out for when arranging their CP12.
That’s why I thought I’d write this blog post, so you know exactly what’s involved when arranging a CP12 for your gas appliances, and what to avoid…
1. Is the company Gas Safe registered?
This is one of the first things you should check when finding a company to arrange an annual service and CP12 certificate for your boiler, and you can do so by visiting the Gas Safe register. It’ll also let you see which appliances they are qualified to work with.
You may think all heating companies will automatically be on there, but in the past a few clients have called before asking for our gas registration number and engineer’s license number. When talking to them, the reason for asking was they had used someone before who it transpired later was not Gas Safe Registered.
Don’t let this happen to you. Remember, any legitimate company will happily give you the accreditation number and individual engineers should be happy to show you their Gas Safe Register ID card.
2. Will they carry out extras (if needed)?
When arranging your CP12 inspection, you need to know that the company is being thorough – which might mean carrying out any small, remedial things that need done at the same time. Most companies will happily do this for you, as it’s a win-win situation.
It means the engineer doesn’t have to return for a second visit, and it should only be a small extra charge – unless of course, your boiler or other gas appliances needs extensive work.
3. Can they offer a multiple property discount?
Most companies will display a price list on their website which should include their standard charge for annual services and CP12 certificates. However, if you ask nicely, you might find they also offer a multiple property discount – which is handy if you have two or more properties that need serviced at the same time.
4. Do they specialise in gas boilers?
You should ideally be looking for an experienced gas engineer who specialises in gas boilers and is proficient in carrying out maintenance checks, repairs and boiler replacements. Once you’ve found an engineer that offers all of this, I’d recommend building up a solid relationship with them so you can depend on them for advice.
5. Can they certify other appliances?
Just like the multiple property discount, some heating engineers may offer a discount for servicing further appliances. If you do have other gas appliances that need serviced (such as an oven or gas fire), check the company is a) qualified and b) willing to look at those for you during the visit.
5. Will they give you a boiler assessment?
I find it’s always helpful to ask for an assessment your boiler, including how old it is, whether it’s a reliable brand and whether parts are still going to be readily available if anything goes happen to go wrong.
An assessment like this means you’ll be fully aware and prepared for any breakdowns, repairs or replacements in the near future.
6. Will they send you an annual reminder?
Last but not least, don’t forget to mark the date your CP12 certificate is due on your calendar. Your chosen heating engineer may send you a reminder, but it’s definitely wise to check – and you should by no means rely on them to get in touch first.
For instance, they could be so busy that they forget, their system could fail, or their reminder may go straight into your spam folder. At the end of the day, it’s your responsibility to make sure your CP12 is carried out by the due date.
7. Do they keep thorough records?
Regardless of whether you have multiple rented properties, or just one, you need to keep records and ensure that your CP12 certificate is kept for two years.
This also extends to your heating engineer, who should store a record of your CP12 certificate along with any other paperwork regarding work carried out on your boiler and other gas appliances.
Things to avoid
Finally, never trust a heating company without a registered address, company number, or VAT number. If they only display a mobile phone number and aren’t willing to disclose any of the above, be very wary.
By law, records of annual servicing and CP12 certificates must be kept for two years, so you want to know for sure that the company will still be around in future if you need copies.
Conclusion
Well, there we have it! A through checklist of what to look for when arranging your next CP12 certificate. Remember to always check a heating engineer or company is Gas Safe registered and is happy to carry out extras, as well as send your annual service reminder. For more, check the list above.
I hope you’ve found this blog helpful, but if you have any other questions, go ahead and leave them in the comments section. I’ll answer as quickly as possible!
